18 Nov
Why a Panel Upgrade Palos Hills Matters for Your Home’s Safety and Power
Living in Palos Hills, you probably didn’t think much about your electrical panel until… the breaker trips again, or you add something big like a central AC or EV charger. That’s exactly when a panel upgrade Palos Hills becomes more than just a “nice-to-have.” For older homes — especially in the Southwest Chicago suburbs — the old 100-amp panel, or even panels with outdated wiring, can become a serious safety risk.
Reddit homeowners in Chicagoland have shared stories of frequent breaker trips, double-tapped breakers, and under-sized panels — and those aren’t just annoyances. In some cases, the oversaturated system can overheat and become a fire hazard.
At Reed Electrical Services, LLC, we see this often. As your trusted electrical contractor in Palos Hills, our goal is to help you future-proof your home, boost safety, and eliminate those nagging electrical problems — all while staying compliant with local codes.
Choosing Between 100 Amp and 200 Amp — What’s Right for Your Palos Hills Home?
One of the hottest debates on Chicago-area Reddit: is a 100 amp panel still good enough? Some folks think it is — until they add modern loads like EV chargers or renovate their homes. Others push for the 200 amp upgrade because it gives so much more flexibility, especially in older homes.
Here’s what you and I need to think about:
- Current electrical load: If you’re just running lights, a few outlets, and a small kitchen, 100 amp might be sufficient for now.
- Planned upgrades: Remodeling, adding a sub-panel, or installing EV chargers? 200 amp is likely the safer bet.
- Safety margin: Upgrading now avoids overloading circuits and minimizes the risk of overheating or breaker failure.
In a Reddit thread, one homeowner broke down a $19K quote for such an upgrade — including surge protection, grounding, permits, and more.We help you understand those line items, so you’re not overpaying for work you don’t need.
Whole Home Surge Protection Palos Hills — It’s Not Just an Add-On
While we’re opening up your panel for an upgrade, it’s the perfect time to install whole home surge protection Palos Hills. Think of it like insurance for your electronics — protecting everything from your HVAC system to delicate electronics from lightning strikes or utility spikes.
One local Redditor warned how a surge ruined their expensive HVAC gear. Adding a surge protector during your panel upgrade saves labor, prevents opening the panel again later, and gives peace of mind.
We at Reed Electrical Services recommend integrating surge protection right into your new panel installation — efficient, cost-effective, and protective.
Recessed Lighting Installation Near Me & New Outlets Palos Hills — Plan It Together
You might be thinking: “If I’m already doing a panel upgrade, should I run more circuits?” The answer: yes, if you can.
Reddit conversations show homeowners regretting not adding more outlets or lighting when the electrician’s already in.Here’s why:
- Drywalls might already be opened — adding new outlets Palos Hills or planning recessed lighting installation near me now can be cheaper than retrofitting later.
- You avoid paying for repeat labor.
- You can upgrade to grounded, code-compliant wiring with AFCI/GFCI protection all at once.
We’ll walk through your layout with you, helping you map out where to place lights and outlets so the panel upgrade becomes part of a holistic electrical refresh. Learn more about House Rewire Palos Hills Guide: Insights from Local Reddit Threads
Working With a Local Electrical Contractor in Palos Hills You Can Trust
Why choose a local contractor? Because someone who knows the Southwest Chicago suburbs — the codes, permitting process, and common wiring issues — makes a difference. In fact, local electricians warn against “cookie-cutter” installers who don’t account for older homes.
At Reed Electrical Services, we’re licensed, insured, and committed to quality. We handle:
- Assessing whether you really need a panel upgrade Palos Hills
- Pulling permits and coordinating with the utility if needed
- Installing your surge protection, rewiring for new outlets, or lighting
- Final inspection and testing, so everything is safe and code-compliant
FAQs
Q1: How much does a panel upgrade Palos Hills usually cost?
It depends — for a straight 100 → 200 amp upgrade, many local homeowners report estimates in the range of $4,000–$6,000, though complex projects can go higher.
Q2: Do I have to upgrade to 200 amps?
Not always. If your usage is modest, 100 amps might be sufficient. But if you plan to renovate, add high-load appliances, or install EV charging, 200 amps gives you a lot more breathing room.
Q3: Can I add surge protection during the panel upgrade?
Yes — and that’s the smartest time to do it. Your panel is already open, so labor cost is minimized, and you get full-home protection.
Q4: Should I also add new outlets or recessed lighting when upgrading?
Definitely consider it. You save money long-term, avoid repeat electrical work, and make your home more functional.
Q5: How long does the upgrade take?
Typically a panel upgrade takes one day, but if you’re also doing rewiring, new circuits, or inspections, it could stretch to two or more days.